Metrolink Extensions

East Manchester Line – Utility Diversions in Droylsden

Introduction

As part of this programme to extend Metrolink to Droylsden, we will be carrying out further work along the route of the new line starting in early 2009 and continuing throughout the year.

A major part of this work will include moving any existing utilities, such as gas, water, electricity and telecommunications, away from the route of the new tram line. We need to do this to make sure that the utility pipes and cables are not damaged during the construction and operation of the new line. This will also mean that tram services are not held up when utilities are maintained or replaced in the future.

This work will be carried out by the Utility companies and their respective Contractors. MPact –Thales (MPT), the design, build and maintain contractor for the Metrolink extensions are responsible for co-ordinating this work.

Some disruption during these roadworks will be inevitable and the work will involve some temporary road closures at certain locations. We are working closely with the utility companies and Local Authorities to co-ordinate and plan this work to minimise the impact on the local communities.

Nature of the Work at Market Street

In Droylsden, this work will start on Market Street /Villemomble Square / junction with Manchester Road area on the 9th February. Whilst there are a number of utilities that need to be moved, the first contractor working in this area will be Enterprise Ltd on behalf of BT. The work will start with trial holes on Market Street before Enterprise Ltd move on to the main civil works to divert the cables. This work will take place in the roadway and adjacent footway.

Access will be maintained to the businesses on Market Street, who will be able to remain open as usual.

There are other utilities that will need to be diverted in this area shown on the attached map.

Traffic Management

Work will take place mainly in the roadway and footway. This means that we need to make Market Street one-way northbound between Manchester Road and Greenside Lane. So, traffic will still be able to travel north up Market Street, but traffic travelling south will be diverted along Greenside Lane, Manor Road and Manchester Road. There will also be weight restrictions on Cemetery Road Shelley Grove, Scott Road and Sunnybank Road to avoid vehicles of 7.5 tonne and over using these routes.

Impact on Local Bus Services

Bus services 168 and 169 travelling towards Chorlton via Droylsden will be diverted via Scott Road during the works and two bus stops will be out of use.

Passengers using the stop at Fiveways roundabout / Chappell Road should use a temporary stop located opposite on Scott Road. Passengers wishing to board or alight at the stop outside the football ground will be able use the additional stop on Manchester Road between Tesco and Villemomble Square.

The route of services 168 and 169 travelling towards Ashton-under-Lyne will not be affected. However, the bus stop at Droylsden Precinct will be closed down during the works. Passengers will be able to board or alight both services at the next bus stop on Greenside Lane outside Somerfield.

Hours of Work

The working hours will be 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Other than in the case of an emergency, any requirement to work outside this time will be agreed with Tameside Council in advance.

Loss of services

At this stage we do not envisage any loss of services – every effort will be made to avoid any disruption. As the works progress, if we do anticipate any loss of service, the appropriate Utility companies will contact any affected residents and businesses in advance.

During the BT diversions, any reported incidents of disrupted service should be directed to the Enterprise Customer Response Centre on 0800 521660.

Communication to stakeholders and the local community

A copy of the letter that will be sent to over 5500 residents and businesses within the area shown on the enclosed distribution area that accompanies this document. GMPTE and MPT are also holding a number of information events in the area to so that residents and businesses can come and meet the team delivering the new line and as any questions regarding the project and upcoming works. These will take place as follows:

• Tuesday 10 February – St Mary’s School, parents 2.30pm to 4.00pm, local residents 6pm to 8pm. (Please note that we will be providing a letter for pupils to take home to their parents regarding this event)
• Tuesday 17 February, 11am until 4 pm Droylsden Library.
• Thursday 19 February, 4pm until 8pm – Droylsden Library.
  

GMPTE and MPT are continuing to meet with local businesses in the area. This is part of the overall business engagement plan to understand the possible impacts on local operations once the tram is operational as well as during these diversions and the construction of the new line.

GMPTE will be issuing a press release to publicise these events, along with further information about the work to meet next week’s edition of the local newspapers. Road signs will be put up to advise motorists of major works in association with Metrolink.

Contact Details

If you require any further information regarding the Metrolink extensions, please contact:

Steve Burns
Stakeholder Manager
Tel: 0161 244 1242
Mobile: 07884263407
Email: steve.burns@gmpte.gov.uk
Post:
Steve Burns
Stakeholder Manager
GMPTE
2 Piccadilly Place
Manchester
M1 3BG

Please note that any enquiries regarding loss of services, the actual works relating the diversions or any emergency enquries should be directed to Enterprise’s Customer Response Centre on 0800 521660

View the map of the Part Lane Closure Diversions 148.69 KB

Extensions Update - East Manchester

As you may know, work will start on building the new Metrolink line from Manchester Piccadilly to Droylsden (the East Manchester line) later this year.

We wrote to you in early January to let you know about upcoming work to move any existing utilities – such as gas, water, electricity and telecommunications – away from the route of the new tram line.

We need to do this to make sure that the utility pipes and cables are not damaged by the building work and that tram services are not held up when utilities are maintained or replaced in the future.

We are working closely with the utility companies and Tameside Council to co-ordinate this work and minimise any disruption.

In Droylsden, this work will start in Market Street near Villemomble Square on Monday 9th February. While there are a number of utilities that need to be moved, the first contractor working in the area will be Enterprise Ltd on behalf of BT. When they have finished installing ducts and access chambers other utility contractors will follow.

Work will take place mainly in the roadway and footway. This means that we need to make Market Street one-way northbound between Manchester Road and Greenside Lane. So, traffic will still be able to travel north up Market Street, but traffic travelling south will be diverted along Greenside Lane, Manor Road and Manchester Road – please see map over the page.

Please note that the businesses in Market Street will remain open as usual.

At this stage we do not envisage any interruption of utility services. As the works progress, if we do anticipate any loss of service, the appropriate Utility companies will contact any affected residents and businesses in advance.

Bus services

Bus services 168 and 169 travelling towards Chorlton via Droylsden will be diverted via Scott Road during the works and two bus stops will be out of use.

Passengers using the stop at Fiveways roundabout / Chappell Road should use a temporary stop located opposite on Scott Road. Passengers wishing to board or alight at the stop outside the football ground will be able use the additional stop on Manchester Road between Tesco and Villemomble Square.

The route of services 168 and 169 travelling towards Ashton-under-Lyne will not be affected. However, the bus stop at Droylsden Precinct will be closed down during the works. Passengers will be able to board or alight both services at the next bus stop on Greenside Lane outside Somerfield.

At this stage, no other bus services will have their route affected.

Working hours

Work will take place between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday. If any work is expected to take place outside these hours, this will be agreed with your local authority, Tameside
Council and we will notify you in advance.

In most instances there will be no need for anyone to enter your house or premises. If access to your property is required, you will be contacted in advance to gain your permission.
If anyone visits you without an appointment claiming to act on behalf of Metrolink, GMPTE or the utility companies, do not let them into your property. If you are in any doubt, please call the phone number below.

If your enquiry concerns any matter involving Metrolink, or any consequences of the associated works, please contact the Metrolink Team at future.metrolink@gmpte.gov.uk or telephone 0161 244 1555.

Any such requests made via this Tameside web site will automatically be forwarded to the Metrolink Team for their attention.

Further information can be found on the web site www.gmpte.com/futuremetrolink